‘I had no idea’: This Maryland snowbird’s Florida beach home was embroiled in an identity theft fraud scheme — how one scammer took a small coincidence and turned it into $80K

Broward woman targeted by namesake

Sandra Martin learned of the identity theft last year after a call from the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Official records showed her Deerfield Beach home had a homestead exemption, was rented out, and received rental assistance relief funds.

In a startling turn of events, multiple women named Sandra Martin received rental assistance for four properties in Broward County. Each individual had different birth dates and Social Security numbers, which made investigators suspicious.

“This person has multiple properties in Broward County, all homesteaded. Which would never fly coming out of our office," Capone said.

While the honest Sandra Martin didn’t lose personal funds, her identity was exploited, leaving her to clear her name.

On the other hand, the suspect — Sandra Janet Martin from Lauderhill — faces theft and organized fraud charges.

Martin’s case highlights a surge in COVID-related scams. Scammers have used stolen identities to file fraudulent unemployment claims and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. According to the U.S. Department of Labor estimates, $191 billion in pandemic benefits was lost to fraud.

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How scammers steal your identity

Identity thieves can trick victims into giving their personal information, often without awareness.

Fraudsters can pretend to be a bank representative with a text like, “Hi, we have a question about your recent purchase.” If you keep the conversation going, they could end up stealing sensitive data. They have also been known to pretend to be a distressed family member to gain your trust.

Even with publicly available information, the FTC warns consumers that identity thieves can impersonate victims in fraud schemes. Other than draining your bank account, they can even file a tax refund in your name and claim the benefits.

The best way to protect your personal information is to stay vigilant.

Here are a few ways to safeguard your personal information:

• Limit the personal details you share on social media: Scammers use online information to collect your details.
• Monitor your bank and credit card accounts regularly to identify suspicious activity: A good tip is to set up alerts for transactions to receive notifications about unusual transactions.
• Be cautious with unsolicited communication: Whether it’s an email, phone call, or text message, always verify the source before responding. Don’t click links or download attachments from unknown senders.
• Protect your accounts: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication to safeguard your information.

If you believe your identity has been stolen, report it to the FTC, bank, or law enforcement. Early detection and reporting can protect you from further damage.